Unibond League Premier Division club Gateshead are in great danger of folding after news today that their main sponsors, Cameron Hall Developments, have pulled the plug.

Unibond League Premier Division club Gateshead are in great danger of folding after news today that their main sponsors, Cameron Hall Developments, have pulled the plug.

Tynesiders chairman John Gibson admitted: "We are in a financial crisis. I would like to pay tribute to Douglas Hall of Cameron Hall Developments, who have been our main backers in my ten and a half years as chairman.

"But at the same time, I am distraught. I was under the impression that we had an agreement that any deal would finish at the end of a season."

Gibson added: "I have not been told personally. I had heard about the move second hand.

"I have had a meeting with David Bunce of Gateshead MBC but the council say they are unable to help us in our current situation. I find that extremely disappointing and I must therefore appeal to the public to help me to put a rescue package in place."

Gibson, who stressed that Saturday's home game against Hyde was not in danger and that Gateshead would travel to Hednesford for their FA Trophy tie on Monday night, said: "I met the players and the backroom staff last night and I have been greatly bolstered by their response. But you cannot expect loyalty to last for ever. The club has no debts, but we need about #60,000 to keep us going until the end of the season when we would have a bit of breathing space."

Gibson went on: "I am looking for several companies to help a club that carries a flag for Tyneside and not just for Gateshead.

"I am prepared to walk away from the club if somebody wants to come in and prefers to do it their way.

"If they wanted me to stay, that would be fine, but the priority is to save the club."